Diverters and image printing apparatus utilizing the same

ABSTRACT

A diverter and an image printing apparatus utilizing the same. The diverter directs media within an image printing apparatus along one of media paths. The image printing apparatus includes a first separating unit, a second separating unit, and a shaft. The shaft is disposed at one side of the first separating unit and on the same side of the second separating unit. The shaft abuts the first and second separating units simultaneously to control directions of movement thereof.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to image printing apparatuses, and in particular to diverters and image printing apparatuses utilizing the same.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a conventional diverter used in multi-function devices such as printers, facsimile machines, copy machines, and the like, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,572,105. The diverter 10′ includes a pair of shafts (not shown), an inlet 12′, an upper gate 13′, a lower gate 14′, and a plurality of outlets 17′,18′, and 19′. The upper gate 13′ and the lower gate 14′ comprise an upper cam 15′ and a lower cam 16′, respectively. The upper cam 15′ of the upper gate 13′ is disposed on a side of the diverter 10′. The lower cam 16′ of the lower gate 14′ is disposed on a side opposite to the upper cam 15′.

A media sheet X enters the inlet 12′ of the diverter 10′ in a direction P. The diverter 10′ provides three outlets 17′, 18′, 19′ for processed media sheet X, as shown by arrows A, B, C. Thus, the diverter 10′ can direct the media sheet X in directions A, B, or C.

The multi-function device allows media sheets to move through first, second and third media paths A, B, and C. The first media path A is a default direction. The media sheet X passes over the upper gate 13′ along the first media path A to a paper cassette (not shown) The second media path B is a path to a finisher (not shown). After processing, each media sheet is delivered to a different tray for further processing such as binding, punching, or distribution, and categorization into groups. The third media path C is a path to a duplexer (not shown) to print an image on the second side of the media sheet X. The media sheet X delivered to the third media path C is flipped over and returned to the multi-function device for printing or copying the other side.

As shown in FIG. 2, the conventional diverter 10′ comprises, a pair of shafts 11′ located at two sides thereof. The shafts 11′ move the upper gate 13′ or lower gates 14′ between the up and down positions. The direction of the force exerted by the shafts 11′ is shown by arrows F. One force is exerted downward, and another force is exerted upward. The direction of movement of the shafts 11′ depends on printing commands. Each shaft 11′ comprises an ejector pin 21′ and a cam (not shown). The shafts 11′ are symmetrically arranged, and thus, only one shaft 11′ is shown in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 3A, in a default printing mode, both shafts 11′ remain stationary and the upper and lower gates 13′ and 14′ are in the down position without moving. The media sheet X can pass above the upper gate 13′ along the first media path A.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the shafts 11′ move both the upper and lower gates 13′ and 14′ to the up position by rotating the cam 22′ to divert the media sheets to the second media path B. Thus, the media sheet X can pass under the lower gate 14′ along the second media path B.

When the shaft 11′ at the right-side is moved to contact another cam (not shown) thereon, the upper gate 13′ is elevated such that the upper gate 13′ and the lower gate 14′ are separated, and the media sheet X can pass therebetween, as shown by the arrow C in FIG. 3C. Thus, the diverter 10′ requires one shaft at each side thereof to provide different media paths.

Since the conventional diverter 10′ requires a shaft 11′ at each side thereof, the image printing apparatus requires two moving devices (not shown) to drive shafts 11′, respectively. Thus, a moving device is connected to a cam of one shaft to move upward, and the other moving device is connected to a cam of the other shaft to move downward, providing opposing pushing forces. The structure of conventional diverters is complicated and difficult to assemble, thus, manufacturing costs cannot be reduced.

SUMMARY

Diverters and image printing apparatuses are provided. An exemplary embodiment of an image printing apparatus for diverting media comprises a first separating unit, and a second separating unit. A shaft is further disposed on one side of the first separating unit and on the same side of the second separating unit. The shaft abuts the first and second separating units simultaneously to control directions of movement thereof.

The first separating unit comprises a first arm. The second separating unit comprises a second arm, disposed on the same side as the first arm and the shaft, and the shaft abuts at the first arm.

The shaft further comprises a hole, and the second arm is partially disposed in the hole with the first arm contacting a top portion of the shaft.

The image printing apparatus further comprises a cam, contacting a bottom portion of the shaft. The shaft is movable between a first position, a second position, and a third position by rotating the cam. The second position is between the first position and the third position, and when the shaft is at the first position, the shaft is at a lowest position.

The first separating unit is movable between a first up position and a first down position. The second separating unit is movable between a second up position and a second down position. When the shaft is at the first position, the first separating unit is at the first down position and the second separating unit is at the second down position such that the media passes by an upper surface of the first separating unit. When the shaft is at the second position, the first separating unit is at the first up position and the second separating unit is at the second up position such that the media passes under the second separating unit. When the shaft is at the third position, the first separating unit is at the first up position and the second separating unit is at the second down position such that the media passes between the first separating unit and the second separating unit.

The first arm comprises a first protrusion, contacting a top portion of the shaft. The second arm comprises a second protrusion, penetrating the hole, and the cam is abutted at the first protrusion and the second protrusion by the shaft. When the shaft is at the first position, the first protrusion is abutted at the top portion of the shaft. When the cam rotates to move the shaft upward to the second position, the second protrusion remains horizontal in the hole. When the cam rotates to move the shaft upward to the third position, the second protrusion is located at a lower end of the hole.

The image printing apparatus further comprises a cover, and the shaft further comprises a slot and a positioning element. The cover comprises an extended portion, extending to the cover. The positioning element penetrates the slot to connect the shaft and the extended portion such that movement of the shaft is restricted by the slot.

The image printing apparatus further comprises a moving device, connected to the cam.

The image printing apparatus is an ink-jet printer or a laser-printer.

Diverters for directing media are provided. An exemplary embodiment of a diverter comprises a first separating unit, a second separating unit, and a shaft, disposed on one side of the first separating unit and on the same side of the second separating unit and contacting the first and second separating units simultaneously to control moving directions thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Image printing apparatuses and diverters thereof can be more fully understood by reading the subsequent detailed description in conjunction with the examples and references made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a conventional diverter;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a conventional diverter;

FIG. 3A is a schematic side view illustrating the upper and lower gates of a conventional diverter in a down position for directing media to a first path A;

FIG. 3B is a schematic side view illustrating the upper and lower gates in an up position for directing media to a second path B;

FIG. 3C is a schematic side view illustrating the upper gate in the up position and the lower gate in a down position for directing media to a third path C;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an image printing apparatus;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a diverter after assembly;

FIG. 5B is an exploded view of an embodiment of the diverter;

FIG. 6A-1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the diverter in a first position;

FIG. 6A-2 is a side view of an embodiment of the diverter in a first position;

FIG. 6B-1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the diverter in a second position;

FIG. 6B-2 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the diverter in a second position;

FIG. 6C-1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the diverter in a third position;

FIG. 6C-2 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the diverter in a third position;

FIG. 7 is a local enlarged view of an embodiment of the image printing apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An image printing apparatus is provided. The image printing apparatus can be an ink-jet printer or a laser-printer. An exemplary embodiment of an image printing apparatus comprises a diverter applicable in copy-machines, fax machines, and other multi-function devices. Here, a printer is given as an example.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an image printing apparatus or a printer 100. The printer 100 comprises a cover 30, a diverter 1 b, and a moving device (not shown). The diverter 10 and the moving device are disposed under the cover 30. The diverter 10 is used to divert media in different directions. Note that other elements are omitted to clearly show the details of the diverter 10.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the diverter 10 after assembly. FIG. 5B is an exploded view of the diverter 10.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the diverter 10 comprises a frame 25, a shaft 11, a first separating unit 13, and a second separating unit 14.

The first and second separating units 13 and 14 comprise a first arm 15 and a second arm 16, respectively. The frame 25 comprises at least two openings 251 and 252, corresponding to the first and second arms 15 and 16, respectively.

During assembly, the first and second arms 15 and 16 are rotatably disposed in the openings 251 and 252 such that the first and second separating units 13 and 14 are disposed on the frame 25. The shaft 11 comprises a lever 21 and a cam 22. The first and second arms 15 and 16 are positioned on the same side 255 of the frame 25.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5A, the first arm 15 is abutted at a top portion 214 of the lever 21 of the shaft 11. The lever 21 comprises a hole 211 and at least a slot 212. The second arm 16 of the second separating unit 14 is disposed in the hole 211. The first and second separating units 13 and 14 are movably disposed on the frame 25 by the first and second arms 15 and 16 and the shaft 11. Thus, the image printing apparatus 100 comprises an inlet 12 and three outlets 17, 18, and 19 in three directions.

As mentioned, the media enter the diverter 10 through the inlet 12. After printing, the media are directed to the outlets 17, 18, and 19, as shown in FIGS. 6A-1 to 6C-2. The cam 22 is connected to a bottom portion 215 of the shaft 11. The cam 22 comprises a connecting portion 221, connected to the moving device (no shown). The lever 21 of the shaft 11 can be positioned at three different levels by rotating the cam 22 by the moving device.

The lever 21 of the shaft 11 can move between a first position, as shown in FIGS. 6A-1 and 6A-2, a second position, as shown in FIGS. 6B-1 and 6B-2, and a third position, as shown in FIGS. 6C-1 and 6C-2. The second position is between the first and third positions. The first position is the lowest position with respect to the second and the third positions. Namely, the cam 22 and the lever 21 are at the lowest position when the shaft 11 is at the first location. Note that the first position may not be the beginning position. The second position can be changed to the first position or the third position. Thus, the sequence of the first, second, and third positions is not restricted.

As shown in FIGS. 6A-1 and 6A-2, when the lever 21 is at the first position, the second arm 16 comprises a second protrusion 161 disposed in the upper portion of the hole 211. The first arm 16 comprises first protrusion 151 contacting the top portion 214 of the lever 21 such that the first and the second separating units 13 and 14 are at a first and second down position, respectively. Thus, the media can pass by an upper surface of the first separating unit 13, in the direction A as shown by the arrow.

As shown in FIGS. 6B-1 and 6B-2, when the cam 22 rotates to move the lever 21 upward to the second position, the lever 21 pushes the first protrusion 151 of the first arm 15. The first arm 15 is moved such that the first separating unit 13 is at the first up portion such that the second protrusion 161 of the second arm 16 remains horizontal in the hole 211. The second separating unit 14 is at the second up position, contacting the first separating unit 13 such that the media passes under the second separating unit 14 in the direction B.

As shown in FIGS. 6C-1 and 6C-2, the cam 22 is rotated again to move the lever 21 upward to the third position. The second protrusion 161 of the second arm 16 is located at the lowest portion of the hole 211. The first separating unit 13 is at the first up position and the second separating unit 14 is at the second down position such that the media passes between the first separating unit 13 and the second separating unit 14 in the direction C.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 7, the cover 30 comprises an extended portion 31, extending to an interior of the cover 30, and the shaft 11 further comprises a positioning element 40 such as screws. The positioning element 40 penetrates the slot 212 to connect the lever 21 of the shaft 11 and the extended portion 31 of the cover 30 such that movement of the shaft 11 is restricted by the slot 212. Thus, the movement of the lever 21 is restricted in a direction perpendicular to the axes of the cams 15 and 16, preventing deviation of the lever 21.

In conclusion, the cam 22 is moved by the moving device in the image printing apparatus such that the lever 21 connected to the cam 22 can push and rotate the first and second separating units 13 and 14 at a predetermined angle by the protrusions 151 and 161 of the cams 15 and 16. The first and second separating units 13 and 14 remain at up or down positions, providing three output directions.

The image printing apparatus only requires one shaft to have three output directions. The structure is simplified offering lower manufacturing costs and easier assembly.

Moreover, the elevation distance of the lever 21 depends on the size of the hole and the angle and length of the cams, and thus, the invention does not limit the size thereof.

While the invention has been described by way of example and in terms of preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. To the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements (as would be apparent to those skilled in the art). Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements. 

1. An image printing apparatus for directing media, comprising: a first separating unit; a second separating unit; and a shaft, disposed on one side of the first separating unit and on the same side of the second separating unit, contacting the first and second separating units simultaneously to control directions of movement thereof.
 2. The image printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first separating unit comprises a first arm; the second separating unit comprises a second arm, disposed on the same side as the first arm and the shaft, and the shaft abuts at the first arm.
 3. The image printing apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the shaft further comprises a hole, and the second arm is partially disposed in the hole with the first arm contacting a top portion of the shaft; the shaft is movable between a first position, a second position, and a third position; the second position is between the first position and the third position, and when the shaft is at the first position, the shaft is at a lowest position.
 4. The image printing apparatus as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a cam, contacting a bottom portion of the shaft, and the shaft is movable between the first position, the second position, and the third position by rotating the cam.
 5. The image printing apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first separating unit is movable between a first up position and a first down position; the second separating unit is movable between a second up position and a second down position; when the shaft is at the first position, the first separating unit is at the first down position and the second separating unit is at the second down position such that the media passes by an upper surface of the first separating unit; when the shaft is at the second position, the first separating unit is at the first up position and the second separating unit is at the second up position such that the media passes under the second separating unit; when the shaft is at the third position, the first separating unit is at the first up position and the second separating unit is at the second down position such that the media passes between the first separating unit and the second separating unit.
 6. The image printing apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first arm comprises a first protrusion, contacting a top portion of the shaft; the second arm comprises a second protrusion, penetrating the hole, and the cam is abutted at the first protrusion and the second protrusion by the shaft; when the shaft is at the first position, the first protrusion is abutted at the top portion of the shaft; when the cam rotates to move the shaft upward to the second position, the second protrusion remains horizontal in the hole; when the cam rotates to move the shaft upward to the third position, the second protrusion is located at a lower end of the hole.
 7. The image printing apparatus as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a cover, and the shaft further comprises a slot and a positioning element; the cover comprises an extended portion, extending to an interior of the cover; the positioning element penetrates the slot to connect the shaft and the extended portion such that movement of the shaft is restricted by the slot.
 8. The image printing apparatus as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a moving device, connected to the cam.
 9. The image printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the image printing apparatus is an ink-jet printer.
 10. The image printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the image printing apparatus is a laser-printer.
 11. A diverter for directing media, comprising: a first separating unit; a second separating unit; and a shaft, disposed on one side of the first separating unit and on the same side of the second separating unit, contacting the first and second separating units simultaneously to control directions of movement thereof.
 12. The diverter as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first separating unit comprises a first arm; the second separating unit comprises a second arm, disposed on the same side as the first arm and the shaft, and the shaft abuts at the first arm.
 13. The diverter as claimed in claim 12, wherein the shaft further comprises a hole, and the second arm is disposed in the hole with the first arm contacting a top portion of the shaft, the shaft is movable between a first position, a second position, and a third position; the second position is between the first position and the third position, and when the shaft is at the first position, the shaft is at a lowest position.
 14. The diverter as claimed in claim 13, further comprising a cam, contacting a bottom portion of the shaft, and the shaft is movable between the first position, the second position, and the third position by rotating the cam.
 15. The diverter as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first separating unit is movable between a first up position and a first down position; the second separating unit is movable between a second up position and a second down position; when the shaft is at the first position, the first separating unit is at the first down position and the second separating unit is at the second down position such that the media passes by an upper surface of the first separating unit; when the shaft is at the second position, the first separating unit is at the first up position and the second separating unit is at the second up position such that the media passes under the second separating unit; when the shaft is at the third position, the first separating unit is at the first up position and the second separating unit is at the second down position such that the media passes between the first separating unit and the second separating unit.
 16. The diverter as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first arm comprises a first protrusion, contacting a top portion of the shaft; the second arm comprises a second protrusion, penetrating the hole, and the cam is abutted at the first protrusion and the second protrusion by the shaft; when the shaft is at the first position, the first protrusion is abutted at the top portion of the shaft; when the cam rotates to move the shaft upward to the second position, the second protrusion remains horizontal in the hole; when the cam rotates to move the shaft upward to the third position, the second protrusion is located at a lower end of the hole. 